LA Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez withdrawn from U.S. National Team roster

CARSON, Calif. (Tuesday, October 8, 2013) – LA Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez has been withdrawn from the U.S. National Team roster for their upcoming CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers against Jamaica and Panama. Gonzalez was removed at halftime of the Galaxy’s 5-0 win over Chivas USA on Sunday and has been diagnosed with a left hip strain. Gonzalez will remain in Los Angeles to receive treatment from the Galaxy training staff.

Gonzalez is the only player to start and play the full 90 minutes in all eight games that the U.S. have played in the current round of FIFA World Cup Qualifying, helping the United States clinch a berth in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Gonzalez has collected 12 of his 14 caps in 2013, starting the eight qualifiers while also appearing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final, helping the U.S. win the tournament for the fifth time overall and the first time since 2007.

With the Galaxy, Gonzalez has appeared in and started 25 regular season games and 30 games in all competitions, scoring twice and adding a pair of assists. The 2012 MLS Cup MVP Gonzalez has played in 126 regular season games since being selected by the Galaxy in the first round (third overall) of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Currently ranking 10th in club history in games started and minutes played, Gonzalez has scored seven goals and added five assists while being selected to the MLS All-Star Team twice and earning MLS Defender of the Year honors in 2011 as well as being selected as the MLS Rookie of the Year in 2009.

The Galaxy will be back in action on Wednesday, October 16 when they host the Montreal Impact at StubHub Center. That match can be seen live on Time Warner Cable SportsNet and Time Warner Cable Deportes. Tickets for this game are on sale now by calling 877-3GALAXY (342-5299) or visiting www.lagalaxy.com/tickets.